ANANTNAG: Addressing huge gatherings, jubilant Congress workers, Panchs and Sarpanchs in Anantnag district on Saturday, the Minister for Irrigation, PHE and Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din asked the people to come forward and strengthen the coalition Government under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Omar Abdullah for the prosperity and over development of the J&K State.
The Minister asked the people the people to keep their hands on their chest and think for a while, what they achieved during the last two decades turmoil except destruction, lawlessness, indiscipline in the offices, no progress, unemployment and nothing else. He said, if this would not have happen, there would have been overall development; prosperity besides a large construction may have been taken place in the State.
Stressing for peaceful atmosphere in the State, he said that by providing a congenial atmosphere, the huge network of developmental works presently under execution in the State will be completed within the time frame stipulated for it. He said the Central Government is funding generously for the overall development and construction of basic infrastructure in the J&K State particularly in the Valley.
He further said that the revenue of the State is only Rs. 3600 crores while the expenditure is Rs. 21000 crores. He said that the salaries of State Government employees is Rs. 13000 crores while the annual plan of the State is only Rs. 6500 crores.
However, he said that for the first time the State Government received Rs. 1000 crores as water charges from the NHPC. He said by taking back Uri and Salal Hydel Projects, the revenue would be expected to enhance by Rs. 45000 crores. He said the coalition Government is committed for the welfare, dignity and prosperity of the people of the State besides covering all the uncovered areas for providing drinking water.
Earlier, the Minister laid foundation stone of Water Supply Scheme Dialgam-B being constructed at a cost of Rs. 198.65 lakhs, out of which Rs. 41.21 lakhs would be spent on the project by ending March 2012..The scheme would benefit more than 6000 souls of Dialgam-b,Ugjan, Wanihama,Watrigam and Bon-Dialgam and surrounding areas.
The Minister also laid foundation stone Muniwar Water Supply Scheme under (MNP) District sector the project would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 260 lakhs and would be completed by 2013-14. The scheme will benefit more than 3,000 souls
Later, the Minister also laid foundation stone at Bumzoo of 1.6 MGD service reservoir and 4.50 MGD filtration plant under (VIDSSSMT) scheme, coming up at a cost of Rs. 45.86 crores. The scheme is expected to be completed by February 2013. The Minister was informed that till November 10, Rs. 1506 lakhs were incurred on the project. The project will benefit more than 9,000 souls of the surrounding areas. The source of the scheme is Lidder Nallah, Arigola and Mulsoo springs.
Meanwhile, the Minister announced sanctioning of some water supply schemes including TB Shah, Sofipora (Partially covered) Eidgah, besides protection bund at Muniwar for Jehlum Bunds, T.B Shah, Sofipora, Khahpora etc and a foot bridge at Lonepora Muniwar. He also sanctioned Rs.15 lakhs Kuchipora-Fethpora up gradation water supply scheme, and Rs. 2 crore Prakashpora-Water Supply Scheme, besides Fathpora-Krangrsoo-Chicken Mohalla, Ganeshbal-Khribal and other water supply scheme and foot bridge at Wanihama. He also announced replacing of old pipelines with new ones at Dialgam and Muniwar areas.
The Minister stressed the people for strengthening the Government for percolating the benefits of the hundreds of welfare schemes launched by the State Government sponsored by the Central Government,for providng better schooling, quality education, network of Hospitals with latest medical facilities, better road connectivity, , uninterrupted water supply and providing employment to the educated un-employed youth by establishing industries and other income generating units etc.
On this occasion, a number of leaders including Mr. Hilal Ahmad Shah also spoken.
The Minister was accompanied by concerned engineers of PHE, Irrigation, Flood Control and other local leaders.
A large number of deputations from Phalgam, Mattan, Ganeshpora and other areas met the Minister and apprised him about their problems. The Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured them that their genuine grievances will be redressed at the earliest.